On Thursday May 18, 2017, Milken Institute School of Public Health (SPH) recognized nearly 750 graduates with a celebration held in the Charles E. Smith Center on the campus of the George Washington University. The class of 2017 earned bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees in a wide variety of public health concentrations.
Parents, family members, friends, faculty members and the proud graduates themselves heard remarks by Dean Lynn R. Goldman.
“Public health is about taking care of all people,” Goldman said, adding: “Our students are quite extraordinary. “ She went on to say that the class of 2017 was eager to take on the public health challenges that affect not just people in the United States but people all over the world. “And their enthusiasm is contagious.”
In addition, the graduates heard an inspirational graduation address given by Roslyn M. Brock, the Vice President, Advocacy and Government Relations for Bon Secours Health System, Inc., and the Chairman Emeritus of the National Board of Directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
“We are all very proud of you today,” she said in her address to the graduates assembled in caps and gowns at the Smith Center. Brock herself earned a master’s in health care administration from the school back in 1989 and she told the graduates to never give up on their quest to make the world a better place.
“I challenge you to find your voice,” she said adding: “Become a catalyst for change.”
Brock’s speech was followed by the 2017 graduates filing one by one across the room to receive their diplomas. At the end, the audience erupted in applause, the proud graduates hugged, cried and posed for photographs. The graduation ceremony was immediately followed by a celebration held at the Milken Institute SPH building.
As is part of GW tradition, public health graduates could also go to the university-wide 2017 Commencement, which was held on the National Mall on May 21. This year U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) delivered the GW Commencement address before an audience of approximately 25,000 graduates, friends and family members.